New Students Welcomed to UCW

Amid the boisterous chatter and a crowd of hungry undergraduate and ESL students, some new faces could be seen perusing the crowd in the student centre last week. UCW welcomed its newest crop of young students with food and music. The annual BBQ, held at the beginning of each academic year to welcome new students was transformed into a Chinese buffet on account of the cold and rainy weather. Designed as one big meet-and-greet, it was an evening of free food and music. The meet-and-greet was also a chance for students to meet some of the faculty and staff.

Getting students off on the right foot, along with welcoming students to a new university community, is important after all. UCW welcomed 33 new Undergraduate and Academies students this term. This new intake is a mixed group of Victoria residents and out-of-province students, many of who were attracted by the prospect of completing their degrees sooner.

Mariana Hynes, an undergraduate student who began her BCom degree at Carlton University, appeared quite pleased with her decision. "The small class sizes definitely keep me more interested and motivated. Being able to finish my degree in one year is also a lot more appealing. Education is so much more than just showing up to class. It's about the experience and the community".

About one third of the new students are registered in one of the Design programs, which appear to have their own appeal. "I was taking courses at Camosun, but the program I was interested in wasn't offered. The small class sizes are an added bonus for me," said Jenn Spence, one of the Communication Design students.

"I believe the most important quality students will bring to this experience is their attitude and their energy," said Robert Rogerson, V.P Academic at UCW. "The new students have enthusiasm, more than any other commodity. UCW is an atmosphere where they will flourish, and where enthusiasm will be rewarded."